| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 52-65 | - Bass are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise
- Feeding increases as fish prepare for spawning, with a focus on protein-rich bottom-oriented forage like crawfish
| - Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats
- Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel in 5-15 foot depth range
- Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning bays
| - Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom in rocky areas
- Shakey Heads on points and rock transitions
- Natural presentation jerkbaits for active fish
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small bottom-oriented baitfish
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
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| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 48-58 | - Transitioning from winter deep water areas to warmer, shallow pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
- Most active during midday when water temperatures peak, focusing on rocky structure that retains heat
| - Main lake points with adjacent rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range
- Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats
- Secondary points in protected coves with rock or gravel bottom
| - Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations near rock piles
- Ned Rigs dragged slowly along bottom structure
- Tubes hopped along rocky points
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small baitfish schools in transition areas
- Bottom-dwelling gobies and sculpin
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Purple Colors
|
| Spring (Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 55-68 | - Largemouth bass moving shallow (2-8 feet) to spawn, with males preparing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper
- Pre-spawn feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish actively pursuing prey in transitional areas
- Post-spawn fish remain shallow to recover and guard fry, gradually moving to deeper structure
| - Protected shallow bays and coves with hard bottom for spawning
- Points and rock piles adjacent to spawning flats for staging areas
- Submerged vegetation edges near spawning areas providing cover
| - Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding fish and cover
- Soft Jerkbaits for pre-spawn staging fish
- Spinnerbaits for covering water and targeting active fish
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small baitfish in warming shallows
- Bluegill moving shallow with warming water
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
| Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 55-65 | - Smallmouth bass moving into shallow rocky areas and protected coves for spawning, with males guarding nests aggressively
- Pre-spawn fish staging on adjacent points and rock piles, moving between deep and shallow water based on daily temperature fluctuations
| - Rocky shorelines and protected coves in 2-6 feet of water for spawning
- Main lake points with rock piles in 8-15 feet for staging areas
- Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
| - Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas and potential nest sites
- Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near staging areas
- Drop Shot with finesse presentations for wary pre-spawn fish
| - Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation
- Small minnows in shallow water
- Young of the year baitfish schools
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Green Colors
|
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 62-72 | - Transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy
- Most active during morning and evening hours, seeking shade during bright conditions
- Utilizing points and rock piles as primary feeding stations
| - Secondary points with access to both shallow and deep water
- Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats
- Emerging weed edges in 5-12 foot depth range
| - Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to points
- Texas Rigs (Worming) through emerging vegetation
- Spinnerbaits along rocky transitions
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small bluegill and perch in emerging vegetation
- Shad schools moving onto flats
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 62-72 | - Post-spawn smallmouth bass actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow and mid-depth rocky areas
- Fish establishing summer patterns, gathering around primary structural elements like rock piles and points
| - Main lake points with adjacent rock piles in 8-15 feet
- Transition areas between spawning flats and summer structure
- Rocky shorelines and shallow rock piles in 4-8 feet
| - Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly
- Ned Rigs dragged along bottom structure
- Tubes worked through rock piles
| - Small baitfish (minnows) around rock structures
- Crayfish emerging from winter habitat
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Green Colors
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